This Frito Pie Recipe is one of those recipes that one serving is not enough! Loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheesy goodness, and Frito corn chips. I know, Fritos?? Don’t knock this one till you try it. It is addicting Tex-Mex casserole. A sure fire hit with everyone who tries it.
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Frito Pie
My North-East coast friends may not be so familiar with this taco bake with Frito chips. Years ago, I had this Frito Pie at a friends house while living in Chicago. She was born and raised in Texas and introduced me to so many great recipes.
I had never heard of it but man, was it good. A great dish to make for pot lucks, dinner and celebratory days such as Cinco de Mayo, game day parties, family get togethers.
A lot of people make small take and go Frito pie in a bag, by using the servings size Frito bags. These are also known as “Walking Tacos” So cute for a birthday parties and tailgating.
The chips are key to the casserole. As they bake, they transform into a soft mouthwatering combo with the seasoned beef and other ingredients. It’s also one of the most versatile recipes with so many options and toppings.
Ingredients
Ground beef is the norm for this recipe. We use 80/20 beef which is awesome for adding flavor.
You can use homemade taco seasoning or a store bought version, whatever you have on hand. The taco packets are great to keep in the cupboard for quick seasoning.
I highly suggest fire-roasted diced tomatoes which adds just a hint of smokiness to the other ingredients.
Anyone who has been reading my recipes for some time will know, I suggest grating your own cheese. The pre-shredded cheese usually has a sort of film on it and its not great for melting.
Fresh, frozen, or canned corn will work. Depending on the time of year, the corn can be refurbishes from corn on the cob to give another layer of flavor .
Don’t skimp, use Fritos, oh my, this is the key to the deliciousness!
Step by Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until crumbled and cooked through. Add the onions and packet of taco seasoning and water. Simmer until liquid thickens.
- Add in corn, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and simmer for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. In your baking dish, spread a layer of the corn chips in the bottom of the pan
4. . Pour the meat mixture over the chips.
5. Spread shredded cheese over the meat.
6. Place remaining corn chips over the cheese.
Bake at 350°F for about25-30 minutes.
Once the Frito pie is baked, serve with your favorite toppings like Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, olives, diced, onions, and shredded cheese.
Variations
As written my friends, Frito Pie is just delicious. As always, so many recipes can be varied and this one is a perfect example.
- For the beef, you can vary and use turkey, chicken, or vegan crumbles.
- We’ve made this using cooked chicken with delicious results.
- Shredded Beef is another great choice in lieu of ground beef.
- Add in any type of beans to the filling.
- A can of diced green chiles is another fabulous choice.
- Colby or Monterey Jack cheese are great in this taco casserole.
- Add in some refried beans for a variation in flavor.
Toppings
Guacamole pairs beautifully with Frito Pie. Salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce are all fabulous toppings for Frito Pie.
Storage
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, about 10 minutes. Microwave leftovers following manufacturers instructions.
Can the casserole be frozen?
The Frito casserole can made ahead of time. Just don’t add the top layer of Fritos until ready to bake the casserole. Once it has cooled, cover well with plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. It can be kept for about 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before adding the remaining layer of chips.
Additionally, the beef mixture can be made in larger batches. Place in freezer bags for use later. Defrost overnight in the fridge. The meat can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use the FDA Guidelines for freezing foods for specifics.
Similar Recipes
While this is one amazing recipe, you may want to try our beef enchiladas, another delicious choice for dinner.
Burrito Bowls, a quick and delicious meal.
Enchilada Chicken Sliders are a fabulous choice for a fun dinner.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls are so darn good.
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are a fabulous choice for another easy tasty meal.
Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Mango Salsa, a fantastic dinner and the salsa is ah-mazing.
Chili Mac, this is one mouthwatering recipe.
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Frito Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Note 1
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning 1 ounce packet
- ½ cup water
- 15 ounce chili beans, not drained optional
- 14 ounce can, diced tomatoes, with juices Note 2
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn
- 5 cups Fritos® corn chips 9.25 ounce bag
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh tomatoes, diced
- non-stick cooking spray
- sour cream optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Either spray with non-stick cooking spray or grease a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown the ground beef until crumbled and cooked through. There will be no more pink in the meat.
- Add in the onions, stir occasionally for about 3 minutes to soften onions.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, water, and chili beans ( if using the chili beans). Simmer about 5 minutes, sauce will thicken slightly.
- Add in corn, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, simmer for another 3-4 minutes, stir occasionally, to blend flavors Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Into the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of the corn chips in the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the meat mixture over the top of the chips.
- Next, spread the shredded cheese over the meat.
- Add a final layer of the remaining corn chips.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The casserole will be cooked through and the cheese fully melted.
- Top the casserole with the diced onions and fresh diced tomatoes.
- Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream. Additional topping ideas in the notes.
Notes
- For the beef, you can vary and use turkey, chicken, or vegan crumbles.
- We've made this using cooked chicken with delicious results.
- Shredded Beef is another great choice in lieu of ground beef.
- Add in any type of beans to the filling. A 14 ounce can of drained beans is fabulous addition.
- A can of diced green chiles is another fabulous choice.
- Colby or Monterey Jack cheese are great in this taco casserole.
- Add in some refried beans for a variation in flavor.
Nutrition
